Classic Inka Trail 4d/3n

DURATION

DISTANCE

ALTITUDE

LEVEL

START

FINISH

4Days / 3 Nights

42 km

2000 msnm -4215 msnm

difficult – moderate

Cusco – Piscakucho

Machu Picchu – Cusco

Cusco is Peru’s main tourist destination and one of the most important destinations in the Americas. Known by the Incas as the “Home of the Gods,” Cusco became the capital of one of the largest pre-Columbian empires: the Tawantinsuyo. Its name in Quechua means “Navel of the World”.

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world; at one time it extended throughout all of the Incan Empire and today still exists in many parts of the Andes. The most popular version of the trek is the famous Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that takes 4 days and 3 nights. You will be walking on the real royal Inca trails once used by the noble Incas to pilgrimage to Machu Picchu sanctuary. While trekking, you will enjoy wide variety of Andean flora and fauna as well as stunning mountain views.

Day 01: Cusco – Wayllabamba.
Between 6:00 and 6:30 am, we pick you up at your hotel in private bus. We then drive to Piskacuchu (2700 msnm), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machupicchu railroad. Starting at this point, we cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800 msnm). Afterwards we ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 msnm). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing until we reach our first campsite in the Wayllabamba village (3000 msnm). All along the way we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. We will also enjoy wide diversity of Andean wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley. The total walking time in the first day is about 5 to 6 hours.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 02: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo.
We wake up at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we leave Wayllabamba behind. We begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of steep ascent for 9 km. This should take us about 5 hours of trekking. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass), we see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We also cross an area of the cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear. We advise that on this day specially, your day pack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600 msnm), where we camp after approximately 7 hour of hiking in total.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 03: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna.
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due to the number of archaeological sites that we visit and learn about from our guide. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, Abra de Runkurakay (3970 msnm). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800 msnm consists of a small oval structure. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624 msnm). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and water channels. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 msnm). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order. We go through an Inca tunnel to arrive later at Phuyupatamarca pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2700 msnm). At this campsite we find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. This day we spend about 10 hours on the road including visiting archeological sites and lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 04: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu.
On the fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in the high jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machu Picchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We begin a guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around and explore Machu Picchu by yourself. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can relax in the thermal baths. From here we take the train to Cusco, where we will arrive after nightfall.
Meals: Breakfast, Snack.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

This trek requires special permits, so please make your reservation well in advance to secure your place in the time that you wish.

Be aware that Inca trail is very popular trek and you will meet a lot of trekker on the way. If you are interested in more off the beaten track treks, please consider our alternative treks to Machu Picchu.

The time of hiking will depend on the group. The guide can change the places for having lunch according to the physical condition of the group.

Each guide has his own way of leading his groups but always his decisions will be for the benefit of the tourists.

Please note that each day there is only limited number of tickets available to climb Huaynapicchu. If you want to climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, please inform your guide during briefing before the trek, so he can plan the Machu Picchu guided tour in a way that gives you most chances to get Huaynapicchu tickets.

If you would like an extra night in Aguas Calientes please let us know at the time of your reservation so that we can make appropriate arrangements with the return train tickets.

The INCA TRAIL. This is an adventure trek. To enjoy it in full – bring an open mind, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.

You also need to bring your original passport on the trail and your student ISIC card (if claiming a student discount).

OPTIONAL:

Sleeping bags which can be rented in the office for $5 per day and good for – 10°C.

Professional walking sticks can be rented in the office for $2 per day

Classic Inka Trail 4d/3n

NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE GROUP

2

3

4

5

5+

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD

ask us for prices

ask us for prices

ask us for prices

ask us for prices

ask us for prices

If you wish to travel alone, you need to ask for a private tour, letting us know which date you wish to leave, and you must make your reservation a week ahead of time so that we can organize your tour.

If you wish to go with other people, check our group departures site to join an existing group.

Write to us to make your reservation and we will send you the form and the payment conditions

DISCOUNTS:

Students: $20 U.S. (only for students who have a current international student card – ISIC card) – due to the differences in entrance ticket prices

Children: $20 U.S. (minors of 16 years with proof of passport) – due to the differences in entrance ticket prices.

Volunteers in Peru: $20 U.S. (with a confirmation of volunteering activities)